(19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 548 714 B1 |
(12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
(45) |
Mention of the grant of the patent: |
|
01.04.1998 Bulletin 1998/14 |
(22) |
Date of filing: 11.12.1992 |
|
|
(54) |
Hygienic absorbent article
Absorbtionsfähiges Hygieneprodukt
Produit absorbant hygiénique
|
(84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
|
BE DE ES FR GB IT NL SE |
(30) |
Priority: |
20.12.1991 US 811388
|
(43) |
Date of publication of application: |
|
30.06.1993 Bulletin 1993/26 |
(73) |
Proprietor: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. |
|
Neenah, Wisconsin 54956 (US) |
|
(72) |
Inventors: |
|
- Serbiak, Paul John
Appleton,
Wisconsin 54915 (US)
- Cesco-Cancian, Annamaria
Appleton,
Wisconsin 54915 (US)
- Fredrick, Julie Kathleen
Larsen,
Wisconsin 54947 (US)
- Peerenboom, Robert John
Little Chute,
Wisconsin 54140 (US)
|
(74) |
Representative: DIEHL GLAESER HILTL & PARTNER |
|
Patentanwälte
Postfach 19 03 65 80603 München 80603 München (DE) |
(56) |
References cited: :
EP-A- 0 134 086 EP-A- 0 316 771 DE-A- 2 047 439 US-A- 4 282 874
|
EP-A- 0 203 715 WO-A-91/14415 GB-A- 2 144 995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
|
[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent article especially for absorption of menstrual
fluid. It is particularly directed to sanitary napkins.
[0002] Absorbent articles, classified as sanitary napkins, catamenial pads or feminine pads,
are designed to be worn by a female to absorb menstrual fluids and other excrements
discharged by the body during a menstrual period. Sanitary napkins are external devices
which are generally held in position by an adhesive or by a mechanical attachment
to an undergarment. Such products differ from tampons which are classified as internal
devices and which are designed to be physically inserted into the vagina. Functionally,
sanitary napkins are different from other external devices, such as pantiliners or
panty shields, in that they are generally constructed to absorb a greater quantity
of body fluid and are designed to be worn for a longer period of time; for example,
overnight if needed.
[0003] In order to adequately perform their function, modern sanitary napkins are constructed
of highly absorbent materials. However, if any absorbent material is utilized to,
or near, the point where it becomes fully saturated, there is a possibility that leakage
of body fluid could occur which might stain the user's clothing.
[0004] It is, therefore, desirable to construct an absorbent article which could be visually
examined to determine if it is near its fluid-saturation point. Quite often, the absorption
of body fluids is into a target zone on the top of the product; and it is not clear,
from looking at the top of the product, if the product is close to being saturated.
It is also difficult to tell when the target area is so close to being fully saturated
that leakage may soon occur.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an absorbent article which can provide the
user with a quick visual inspection to determine if it is near its absorption limits.
If the product is close to its limit, the user could then replace it before leakage
occurs.
[0006] There are several United States patents which teach the advantages of using an absorbent
material which has good fluid-wicking properties for at least a portion of the absorbent
layer. U.S. 4,372,312 issued to Fendler et al. teaches an absorbent pad containing
a nonwoven hydrophilic thermoplastic filamentary microfiberous web as part of the
absorbent material. The microfiberous web exhibits good wicking and fluid-retention
properties. The microfiberous web is not used to provide an indication that the pad
is close to absorbent capacity.
[0007] A second patent, U.S. 3,525,338 issued to Bernardin, discloses utilizing a layer
of glass microfibers as part of the absorbent material. The glass microfiberous layer
has good absorbent capacity and wicking capabilities. When a layer of glass microfibers
is deposited horizontally between two layers of conventional absorbent material, the
absorbent capacity of the sanitary napkin is increased as well as its efficiency.
The latter is due to the lateral wicking properties of the layer of glass microfibers.
The use of absorbent materials, having varying transverse wicking rates which can
serve as a visual indicator, is not taught in this patent. Furthermore, neither Fender
nor Bernardin teach using layers with various wicking rates as a method of providing
an indication of the saturation level of an absorbent article.
[0008] There is also a need to design an absorbent article, where the crotch portion of
the user's undergarment, to which the absorbent article is attached, will not fold
onto the body-facing side of the product. This will assist in preventing the undergarment
from becoming stained by body fluid. One method of overcoming this problem is to design
absorbent articles with flaps or wings which extend outward from the central absorbent.
However, the addition of flaps or wings makes the product more expensive. Typically,
sanitary napkins having flaps or wings use a central adhesive strip which attaches
the product to the crotch portion of a user's undergarment. The side flaps or wings
are then folded around the outer surface of the undergarment to protect the undergarment
from becoming stained. Some U.S. patents which teach the use of flaps or wings include
the following.
[0009] U.S. 2,787,271 issued to Clark describes a sanitary napkin comprising a rectangular
central pad having a pair of lateral flaps integrally formed with the pad. The flaps
are adapted to fold downward and bear against the inner surface of the wearer's thighs.
The flaps or wings are designed to stop any overflow of body fluid from staining the
user's clothing. The central pad has an absorbent core body which extends without
interruption into the lateral flaps.
[0010] U.S. 3,397,697 issued to Rickard describes a disposable sanitary shield for undergarments.
This shield comprises an elongated sheet of flexible material divided into at least
two panels which are joined by an intermediate neck-like portion. Portions of the
panels, located adjacent to the neck-like portion, include wing-like flaps which are
adapted to be folded over each other. This enables the flaps to encircle the crotch
portion of the undergarment and prevent staining.
[0011] U.S. 4,285,343 issued to McNair describes a sanitary napkin having a central absorbent
pad with laterally extending side panels. The side panels can be formed either integrally
with the central absorbent or be formed separately and then secured to the longitudinal
edges of the central absorbent.
[0012] DE-A-2,047,439 discloses a disposable diaper with a plurality of differently compacted
cellulosic absorbent batts.
[0013] U.S. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg describes a sanitary napkin having two flaps
that extend outward from an absorbent means. The absorbent means is secured in the
crotch of a panty, and the flaps are secured about the elastic edges of a panty by
an adhesive.
[0014] WO-A-91/14415 discloses a sanitary napkin with a second absorbent layer whose fibre
material has been highly compressed.
[0015] Despite the teachings of the prior art, there is still a need for an absorbent article
which can be visually inspected to determine if it is at, or near, its fluid-saturation
limit. This object is solved by the absorbent article of indenpedent claim 1 and the
sanitary napkin of any one of independent claims 20, 28 and 31. Further advantages
features, aspects and details are evident from the dependent claims, the description,
the examples and the drawings. The claims are intended to be understood as a first
non-limiting approach of defining the invention in general terms.
[0016] The invention provides absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, which are designed
to absorb menstrual fluid and other excrements discharged by the body during a menstrual
period. The absorbent article provides a user with the ability to quickly determine
if it is approaching its saturation limit. The absorbent article includes a liquid-impermeable
baffle and first and second absorbent layers. The second absorbent layer is positioned
between the baffle and the first absorbent layer and has a higher transverse wicking
rate than the first absorbent layer. Consequently, body fluid that works through the
thickness of the first absorbent layer spreads in a transverse direction on the second
absorbent layer at a faster rate than it does on the first absorbent layer. This feature
allows the fluid to reach the outer or lateral edges of the second absorbent layer
faster than fluid that remains in the first absorbent layer. The presence of extensive
staining, near the side edges of the second absorbent layer, serves as a signal that
the product is near its maximum fluid capacity. The second absorbent layer is wider
along its central transverse axis than is the first absorbent layer. This assures
that the lateral edges of the second absorbent layer are visible to the user when
she looks down onto the top of the absorbent article.
[0017] The absorbent article can optionally include a third absorbent layer which is positioned
between the first and second absorbent layers. The second absorbent layer will be
wider, along its central transverse axis, than either the first or the third absorbent
layers. When a third absorbent layer is utilized, it will not have as high a transverse
wicking rate as the second absorbent layer. This will hold true even when the third
absorbent layer functions as the primary absorption layer of the absorbent article.
[0018] The general aspect of this invention is to provide an absorbent article having two
absorbent layers, wherein the lower layer has a greater transverse wicking rate than
the first layer. A more specific aspect of this invention is to provide a sanitary
napkin which enables the user to visually inspect the product to see if it is approaching
its maximum fluid capacity.
[0019] Another aspect of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which is easy
to manufacture and is relatively low in cost.
[0020] Still another aspect of this invention is to provide an absorbent article, which
utilizes at least two separate and distinct absorbent layers, wherein the upper absorbent
layer is narrower in size than a lower layer.
[0021] Still further, an aspect of this invention is to provide an absorbent article which
has improved fluid absorbency features.
[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to
those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of an absorbent article having a portion cut away
to show the inner construction thereof.
Fig. 2 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of an absorbent article having
a portion cut away to show the inner construction thereof.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an absorbent article taken
across its transverse axis.
Fig. 4 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of an absorbent article having
a portion cut away to show the inner construction thereof.
Fig. 5 is a perspective top view of another embodiment of an absorbent article having
a portion cut away to show the inner construction thereof.
Fig. 6 is a partially cut away perspective view of another embodiment of an absorbent
article showing the use of an intermediate baffle layer positioned between first and
second absorbent layers.
[0023] Referring to Fig. 1, an absorbent article 10 in the form of a sanitary napkin is
shown which can be worn by a female to absorb body fluids such as menses, blood, urine,
and other excrements discharged during a menstrual period. The absorbent article 10
is about 150 millimeters (mm) to 300 mm long, about 50 mm to 125 mm wide and has a
generally oval shape. Other shapes, including hourglass, dogbone and racetrack, are
contemplated. The absorbent article 10 should have a caliper or thickness of less
than about 15 mm, preferably less than about 10 mm, and most preferably, less than
about 5 mm.
[0024] The absorbent article 10 includes a bodyside cover 11, which is liquid permeable,
a first absorbent layer 12, a second absorbent layer 13 and a liquid-impermeable baffle
14. The first absorbent layer 12 can be hourglass in shape and should not be as long
or as wide as the cover 11. The bodyside cover 11 has an upper surface 16 which contacts
the body of the user. The first absorbent layer 12 can be secured to, or retained
on, the second absorbent layer 13. The second absorbent layer 13 is wider, along its
central portion, than the first absorbent layer 12. The second absorbent layer 13
can, in turn, be secured to, or retained on, a top surface 17 of the baffle 14. The
baffle 14 should generally have the same dimensions as the bodyside cover 11. The
bottom side of the baffle 14 will contact the inner surface of the undergarment worn
by the user of the absorbent article 10.
[0025] The liquid-permeable cover 11 is designed to contact the body of the wearer and can
be constructed of a woven or nonwoven, natural or synthetic, material which is easily
penetrated by body fluid. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester,
polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins,
such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene,
finely-perforated film webs and net material, also work well. Particularly preferred
are composite materials of a polymer and a nonwoven fabric material. The composite
sheets are generally formed by extrusion of the polymer onto a web of spunbond material
to form an integral sheet. This material is preferred, because the outer fabric surface
is not irritating to the skin of the wearer and has a cushioned feel.
[0026] The walls of the absorbent article 10 generally extend up, into the crease between
the legs and the pudendum of the wearer, and have a cushioned feel. Therefore, the
outer wall portions may come in contact with the legs of the wearer and should provide
a comfortable nonirritating feel.
[0027] Another preferred material for the cover 11 is a spunbond web of polypropylene. The
web can contain about 1 to 6% titanium dioxide pigment to give it a clean, white appearance.
A uniform spunbond material is desirable, because it has sufficient strength, after
being perforated in the longitudinal direction, to resist being torn or pulled apart
during use. The most preferred polypropylene webs have a weight of between about 18
and 40 grams per square meter. An optimum weight is between about 30 and about 40
grams per square meter.
[0028] Liquid-permeable covers utilized on absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins,
can be comprised of a white material. White material has good fluid-masking properties
and can hide the stain of liquid that has passed through it. However, the advantages
of the present invention are best realized if the liquid-permeable cover 11 is sufficiently
transparent to enable a user to examine the absorbent article 10 from its top side.
This examination will determine if any fluid has spread in a transverse direction,
that is, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis X--X of the
product. The transverse central axis Y--Y of the absorbent article 10 is perpendicular
to the longitudinal edges 18 and 19 of the second absorbent layer 13.
[0029] The liquid-permeable cover 11 can also contain a plurality of apertures (not shown)
formed therein. Such apertures can be arranged along the longitudinal center axis
X--X, if desired, and are intended to increase the rate at which body fluids can penetrate
down into the first absorbent layer 12.
[0030] With apertures present, body fluid, which is deposited at or near the apertures,
rapidly migrates into the first absorbent layer 12. This helps maintain a perceivably
drier surface than when the aperture$ are not employed. Therefore, while the apertures
are not essential, some functional advantages are obtained.
[0031] The liquid-permeable cover 11 can also be treated with a surfactant to make it more
hydrophilic and, thereby, aid in the absorption of the liquid. The surfactant can
include topical additions or internally applied materials like polysiloxanes.
[0032] The baffle 14 permits the passage of air or vapor out of the absorbent article 10
while blocking the passage of body fluids and liquids from the absorbent layer 12
and 13. The baffle 14 can be made from any desired material that has these properties.
A good material is a micro-embossed, polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
Bicomponent films can also be used. A preferred material is polyethylene film. Most
preferably, the baffle 14 will be comprised of a polyethylene film having a thickness
in the range of from about 0.5 to about 2.0 mm.
[0033] As indicated, the liquid-impermeable baffle 14 is coextensive with the liquid-permeable
cover 11 and is adhered to the cover 11 in those areas where the cover 11 and the
baffle 14 are in face to face contact. The method of adhering the cover 11 to the
baffle 14 may be any suitable method that does not leave a hard, uncomfortable residue
that would be annoying to the wearer. Typical of sealing methods are heat sealing
and adhesive sealing. Another method is ultrasonically bonding on a line inward from
the edge of the absorbent article 10. When this is done, a loose flap or fringe of
material usually extends about a .635 cm (quarter inch) outward from the bond line
about the periphery of the product. This results in a neat bond line with less tendency
for the material to be perforated than by heat sealing.
[0034] A particular advantage of the absorbent article 10 is that it provides an indicator
when it is near to its maximum fluid-saturation point. The indicator begins to function
when fluid begins to migrate down into the second absorbent layer 13. As indicated,
the second absorbent layer 13 is comprised of a material that has a higher transverse
wicking rate than that of the first absorbent layer 12. Body fluid, which reaches
the second absorbent layer 13, will migrate in a transverse direction to the outer
edges 18 and 19 faster than fluid in the first absorbent layer 12 can reach the longitudinal
edges 20 and 21. Therefore, a user can visibly inspect the absorbent article 10 from
its top surface to determine if it needs to be replaced. If fluid is detected near
the lateral edges 18 and 19 of the second absorbent layer 13, the user will have a
clear indication that the absorbent article 10 needs replacing. To facilitate such
an inspection, the second absorbent layer 13 should be wider, along its central transverse
axis, than the first absorbent layer 12. It should be noted that the central transverse
axis of each of the layers, 12 and 13 respectively, will generally line up with the
central transverse axis of the absorbent article 10. Preferably, the second absorbent
layer 13 should be as visually distinctive as possible from the other layers of the
absorbent article 10. One way of achieving this would be to make the second absorbent
layer 13 a different color from the other layers. However, care should be taken to
utilize a color for the second absorbent layer 13 that would highlight, rather than
mask, the presence of fluid thereon.
[0035] The cover 11 and the baffle 14 will, in combination, enclose the first absorbent
layer 12 and the second absorbent layer 13. The second absorbent layer 13 will be
located between the first absorbent layer 12 and the baffle 14. Both layers, 12 and
13 respectively, are comprised of absorbent material. Typically, the first absorbent
layer 12 will be comprised of a material that is more absorbent than the material
comprising the second absorbent layer 13. As indicated above, the second absorbent
layer 13 is comprised of a material that has a higher transverse wicking rate than
the material which comprises the first absorbent layer 12. The first absorbent layer
12 will, as the primary absorbent layer, typically be thicker than the second absorbent
layer 13. It should be emphasized that the values relating to absorbency and the transverse
wicking rate are relative for any particular style of absorbent article. It is, therefore,
quite possible that one particular style of absorbent article may utilize the same
material in its second absorbent layer as that utilized as the first absorbent layer
in another absorbent article.
[0036] The absorbent materials used in the absorbent article 10 are designed to absorb body
exudates, including menstrual fluids, catamenial fluids, blood and urine. Suitable
materials include wood pulp fluff, rayon, cotton and meltblown polymer, such as polyester,
polypropylene or coform. Coform is a meltblown air-formed combination of meltblown
polymers, such as polypropylene, and absorbent staple fibers, such as cellulose. A
preferred material is wood fluff, for it is low in cost, relatively easy to form and
has good absorbency.
[0037] The absorbent material may be a composite comprised of a hydrophilic material that
can be formed from various natural or synthetic fibers, wood pulp fibers, regenerated
cellulose or cotton fibers, or a blend of pulp and other fibers. A preferred material
is an airlaid tissue. The absorbent layers may also be comprised of other well-known
materials used in absorbent articles, including multiple layers of cellulose wadding,
rayon fibers, cellulose sponge, hydrophilic synthetic sponge, such as polyurethane,
and the like.
[0038] The absorbent layers 12 and 13 may contain superabsorbent particles which are extremely
effective in retaining body fluids. Superabsorbents have the ability to absorb a large
amount of fluid in relation to their own weight. Typical superabsorbents used in absorbent
articles, such as sanitary napkins, can absorb anywhere from 5 to 60 times their weight
in body fluids. However, the absorption mechanism of the superabsorbents is usually
slower than the rate of fluid absorption by cellulose fluff material. The placement
of the superabsorbent particles in the central portion of the absorbent article 10
provides additional time for the superabsorbent particles to absorb the body fluid
temporarily retained by a transfer member.
[0039] It has been found that superabsorbents having a high mechanical stability in the
swollen state, an ability to rapidly absorb fluid, and those having a strong liquid-binding
capacity perform well in catamenial devices. Hydroxyfunctional polymers have been
found to be good superabsorbents for this application. The superabsorbent can be a
hydrogel-forming polymer composition which is water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked,
and partially neutralized. It can be prepared from unsaturated polymerizable, acid
group-containing monomers and cross-linked agents. A hydrogel-forming polymer, which
is a partially neutralized cross-linked copolymer of polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl
alcohol, is preferred. After a polymer is formed, it is mixed with about a 1% anhydrous
citric acid powder. The citric acid has been found to increase the ability of the
superabsorbent to absorb menses and blood. This is particularly good for use in a
sanitary napkin or feminine pad. The finely ground, anhydrous citric acid powder,
which is void of water, along with trace amounts of fumed silica, is mixed with the
polymer which has been screened to an appropriate particle size. This mixture can
then be formed into a composite or a laminate structure. Such superabsorbents can
be obtained from Dow Chemical, Hoechst-Celanese, and Stockhausen, Inc., among others,
and are a partially neutralized salt of cross-linked copolymer of polyacrylic acid
and polyvinyl alcohol having an absorbency under load value above 25.
[0040] One combination of the absorbent layers 12 and 13 is for the first absorbent layer
12 to be made up of cellulose fluff fibers and the second absorbent layer 13 to be
made up of meltblown polypropylene. In another embodiment, the first absorbent layer
12 can be a composite comprised of meltblown fibers and a superabsorbent. The first
absorbent layer 12 can also be a laminate comprised of a hydrocolloid material enclosed
in a hydrophilic tissue, such as airlaid tissue. In another embodiment, at least one
of the absorbent layers 12 or 13 may contain, along its periphery, a fluid-tight seal
which can be constructed out of a material which is the same as the baffle 14.
[0041] Referring again to Fig. 1, the second absorbent layer 13 is depicted having a length,
as measured along longitudinal axis X--X, which is less than the length of the first
absorbent layer 12. However, it is understood that this feature is an optional embodiment,
and the length of the second absorbent layer 13 can be equal to, or greater than,
the length of first absorbent layer 12. The second absorbent layer 13 should preferably
be wider, along its central transverse axis Y--Y, than the first absorbent layer 12.
This will enable a wearer to determine, from viewing the top surface 16 of the absorbent
article 10, whether fluid has spread outward to the longitudinal side edges 18 and
19 of the second absorbent layer 13. If liquid has migrated outward to the edges 18
and 19, the user will know that it is time to replace the product.
[0042] The first absorbent layer 12 can have an hourglass or dogbone shape with a narrow
portion in the middle. In such an embodiment, the second absorbent layer 13 can have
an oval shape. Preferably, the first absorbent layer 12 will be thicker at the narrow,
middle portion to provide added absorbency in this critical area. Most preferably,
the first absorbent layer 12 will be thicker throughout than the second absorbent
layer 13. Alternatively, the absorbent article 10 can have a uniform thickness with
a higher absorbency material located in the center portion than at the ends. Higher
absorbency may be achieved by using fibers of greater absorbency or by adding superabsorbents
to the first absorbent layer 12.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 2, an absorbent article 10' is depicted having a cover 11, a baffle
14, and first, second and third absorbent layers 12, 13 and 15, respectively. The
third absorbent layer 15 is positioned between the first absorbent layer 12 and the
second absorbent layer 13. The second absorbent layer 13 should have a higher transverse
wicking rate than the third absorbent layer 15. The second absorbent layer 13 will
preferably be wider, along its transverse central axis Y--Y, than the third absorbent
layer 15. When the third absorbent layer 15 is positioned intermediate the absorbent
layers 12 and 13, the third absorbent layer 15 will typically be the primary absorbent
layer. As the primary absorbent layer, it will be thicker and have a higher absorbency
rate than the first absorbent layer 12.
[0044] Referring to Fig. 3, an absorbent article 10'' is shown which contains a first absorbent
layer 12, a second absorbent layer 13 and a baffle 14. A longitudinally-extending
garment adhesive strip 20 is attached to the exterior surface of the baffle 14 and
is covered by a removable peel strip 21. The garment adhesive 20 is commercially available.
One company that sells this adhesive is National Starch Co. located at 10 Finderne
Ave. Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807. The garment adhesive 20 is used to secure the
absorbent article 10'' to the inside of the crotch portion of an undergarment (not
shown), so that it can be properly aligned to cover the vaginal opening. The peel
strip 21 is releasably attached to the garment adhesive strip 20 to prevent the adhesive
from becoming contaminated prior to attachment to the undergarment. The peel strip
21 can be a white Kraft paper, coated on one side so that it can be released from
a hot melt adhesive. The peel strip 21 is designed to be removed by the ultimate consumer
just prior to placement of the absorbent article 10'' in the undergarment. It should
be noted that, in Fig.3 , no cover is present. A cover is designed to be utilized
in the preferred embodiment.
[0045] Referring to Fig. 4, an absorbent article 110 is shown which is similar in construction
to the absorbent article 10 shown in Fig. 1. The absorbent article 110 has an hourglass-shaped,
central absorbent 117 with two longitudinally extending side edges 118 and 119. Each
of the side edges 118 and 119 has a concave central portion 120 and 121, respectively,
shown by dotted lines. The absorbent article 110 further has two garment attachment
panels 130 and 131, which extend outward from the central absorbent 117, along each
of the concave central portions 120 and 121. The garment attachment panels 130 and
131 extend in a transverse direction outward from the central absorbent 117 and are
designed to wrap around the outer surface of the crotch portion of an undergarment.
The garment attachment panels 130 and 131 will extend laterally outward and lie in
the same plane as the widest portion of the absorbent article 110. The garment attachment
panels 130 and 131 can be constructed from the same materials as the baffle and/or
the liquid-permeable cover 111.
[0046] Preferably, the garment attachment panels 130 and 131 will be an extension of both
the baffle and the liquid-permeable cover 111. In an optional embodiment, at least
one of the garment attachment panels 130 and 131 may have an adhesive strip 139, attached
to its upper surface, which is covered by a releasable peel strip 140. The absorbent
article 110 can also have at least one garment adhesive strip (not shown) secured
to the central, exterior surface of the baffle, which can be covered by another releasable
peel strip. When the consumer is ready to wear the product, the central peel strip
is removed, and the absorbent article 110 is adhered to the inner surface of the undergarment
via the garment adhesive. The consumer then removes the peel strip 140, attached to
one of the garment attachment panels, and wraps the garment attachment panels 130
and 131 around the exterior surface of the undergarment. One garment attachment panel
can then be adhered to the other garment attachment panel by the adhesive 139.
[0047] The garment attachment panels 130 and 131 preferably do not contain any absorbent
material; although they could, if desired. The garment attachment panels 130 and 131
could be constructed of baffle material only. In such a case, it is desirable, for
the comfort of the wearer, if a thin layer of absorbent material is placed on the
body-facing side of at least one, and preferably both, garment attachment panels 130
and 131. In such a case, the baffle will preferably have an hourglass shape, with
the garment attachment panels 130 and 131 extending from the narrow, central portion
of the baffle and extending as far as the widest section of the absorbent article
110. When absorbent material is included in the garment attachment panels 130 and
131, it will not influence soiling, since the function of the walls formed by the
garment attachment panels 130 and 131 is menstrual fluid containment rather than absorbency.
[0048] The absorbent layers contained in the absorbent article 110, rather than the garment
attachment panels 130 and 131, will serve to absorb the vast majority of the menstrual
fluid. Furthermore, with little or no absorbent material present in the garment attachment
panels 130 and 131, the absorbent article 110 will be less bulky and more comfortable
to the user.
[0049] Referring to Fig. 5, an absorbent article 210 is illustrated which has a cover 211
and an hourglass-shaped first absorbent layer 212. The cover 211 contains a plurality
of apertures or perforations 230 which are formed approximate the narrow portion of
the absorbent article 210. The apertures 211 permit body fluid to rapidly pass down
into the first absorbent layer 212.
[0050] Referring to Fig. 6, an absorbent article 410 is shown which includes a first liquid-impermeable
baffle 412, a second liquid-impermeable baffle 414 and a liquid-permeable cover 416.
The bottom surface of the first baffle 412 faces the user's undergarment, while the
cover 416 faces the body of the user. A first absorbent layer 418 is positioned below
the cover 416, and a second absorbent layer 420 is positioned on top of the first
baffle 412. Preferably, the second baffle 414 is generally of the same shape as the
first absorbent layer 418. The second absorbent layer 420 should have a higher transverse
wicking rate than the first absorbent layer 418, and fluid staining on the second
absorbent layer 420 will be visible through the cover 416. The first baffle 412 and
the cover 416 can be coterminous and will define the exterior periphery of the absorbent
article 410.
[0051] Construction adhesives, which adhere the various layers of the absorbent article
to each other, and garment attachment adhesives, which adhere the absorbent article
to the undergarment, may be any of those typically utilized in formation of sanitary
napkins, diapers, training pants or incontinence garments. A preferred construction
adhesive material is a hot-melt type adhesive, although other suitable adhesives may
be used. A preferred method of attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment
is by a single, wide band of adhesive which is selected for maximum attachment strength.
Examples
[0052] The following examples are being presented for the purpose of illustration only.
In these examples, a modified U.S. government test #DDD-P-66B was followed. In our
examples, the absorbency of an absorbent article was determined by laying the product
on a flat, level, transparent surface, so that the underside of the absorbent article
could be observed. A mirror was placed under the suspended surface to facilitate the
observation of the underside of the absorbent article. A one percent (1%) dye solution
of distilled water was applied to the center of the product. The temperature of the
dye solution was 23°C ± 1.7°C (73°F, ± 3°). The dye solution was applied from a burette
at the rate of 15 milliliters/minute, ± 3 ml, from a height of approximately 2.54
cm (one inch). A total insult of 5 ml of dye solution, for the Examples in Table 1,
and 10 ml of dye solution, for the Examples in Table 2, was applied. The width and
length of the stain in each Example was measured after 5 and 10 minutes, respectively,
total elapsed time.
[0053] Referring to Table 1, the size of a liquid stain for a 5 milliliter (ml) insult of
solution after 5 and 10 minutes, respectively, for different types of a single material
is shown. The first entry is "Blotting Paper, unscored (75% Bleached Softwood, 25%
Northern Pine)". The dimension of the first test sample was 60 millimeters (mm) wide
by 182 mm long. The liquid stain, after five minutes, was 47 mm wide by 89 mm long
and, after 10 minutes, was 47 mm wide by 93 mm long. Table 1 is for reference purposes
only and is not illustrative of the present invention.
[0054] Referring to Table 2, which is illustrative of the present invention (except Example
12), stain dimensions for a 10 ml insult of solution on various materials is shown.
Each material was placed under the fluff pulp core taken from a Kotex@ Maxi Pad. The
dimension of the fluff pulp core taken out of the Kotex@ Maxi Pad was approximately
60 mm, wide by 150 mm in length. The first entry (Example 10) was "Blotting Paper
unscored (75% Bleached Softwood, 25% Northern Pine)." Two sets of data are shown.
The first set of data (the first two horizontal rows) is for the second absorbent
layer oriented in the "machine direction." By "machine direction," it is meant that
the second absorbent layer was aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent
article. "Cross direction" means that the second absorbent layer was aligned perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article. A sample 60 mm wide by 178 mm long
was placed under the first absorbent layer. After 5 minutes, the stain on the first
absorbent layer was 44 mm wide by 55 mm long, while the stain on the second absorbent
layer was 60 mm wide by 123 mm long. After 10 minutes, the stain sizes were 46 mm
wide by 59 mm long, and 60 mm wide by 133 mm long, respectively. Accordingly, this
sample is an example of the present invention.
[0055] The second set of data for Example 10, listed in Table 2, (the third and fourth horizontal
rows) is for the second absorbent layer oriented in a cross direction. This data demonstrates
even more transverse wicking in the second absorbent layer. After 5 minutes, the stain
sizes were 125 mm wide by 60 mm long; and after 10 minutes, the stain sizes were 150
mm wide by 60 mm long. Example 10 (60 grams per square meter (gsm) of meltblown polypropylene
with surfactant treatment) demonstrates the greatest wicking properties and represents
one preferred embodiment of this invention.
[0056] It should be noted that the cross direction orientation of the material in the second
absorbent layer enhances the lateral fluid-distribution properties of that layer,
see Examples 10 and 11. It should also be mentioned that, for Example 12, the second
absorbent layer did not wick fluid as far as the first absorbent layer and, therefore,
is not an example of this invention.
TABLE 1
Example |
Material |
Dimension of Mat'l. In mm |
Stain After 5 Min. (mm) |
Stain After 10 Min. (mm) |
1 |
BLOTTING PAPER UNSCORED (75% BLEACHED SOFTWOOD, 25% NORTHERN PINE) |
W=60 |
W=47 |
W=47 |
L=182 |
L=89 |
L=93 |
2 |
BLOTTING PAPER SCORED (75% BLEACHED SOFTWOOD, 25% NORTHERN PINE) |
W=63 |
W=45 |
W=47 |
L=125 |
L=88 |
L=91 |
3 |
GELOK 8007 A/A SAB-840 |
W=63 |
W=44 |
W=45 |
L=169 |
L=45 |
L=45 |
4 |
BG 13 gsm 2 PLY TISSUE (100% LONGLAC SOFTWOOD) |
W=150 |
W=139 |
W=142 |
L=180 |
L=93 |
L=99 |
5 |
BG 13 gsm 4 PLY TISSUE (100% LONGLAC SOFTWOOD) |
W=150 |
W=111 |
W=117 |
L=233 |
L=67 |
L=74 |
6 |
KLEENEX® TISSUE (30% SOFTWOOD 70% HARDWOOD) |
W=219 |
W=151 |
W=156 |
L=228 |
L=107 |
L=108 |
7 |
HI DRI® PAPER TOWEL (100% RE-PROCESSED PULP) |
W=113 |
W=100 |
W=103 |
L=282 |
L=172 |
L=178 |
8 |
60 gsm MELTBLOWN (POLYPROPYLENE) INSERT FROM NEW FREEDOM® MAXI |
W=154 |
W=52 |
W=53 |
L=152 |
L-64 |
L=66 |
9 |
KOTEX® MAXI FLUFF INSERT |
W=58 |
W=35 |
W=38 |
L=152 |
L=44 |
L=48 |
TABLE 2
Example |
Composition of Second Absorbent Layer |
Dimensions of Second Abs. Layer In mm |
Stain on First Abs. Layer In mm |
Stain on Second Abs. Layer In mm |
|
|
|
5 Min |
10 Min |
5 Min |
10 Min |
10 |
BLOTTING PAPER UNSCORED (75% BLEACHED SOFTWOOD, 25% NORTHERN PINE) |
W=60 |
W=44 |
W=46 |
W=60 |
W=60 |
L=178 |
L=55 |
L=59 |
L=123 |
L=133 |
W=357 |
W=28 |
W=35 |
W=125 |
W=150 |
L=60 |
L=36 |
L=42 |
L=60 |
L=60 |
11 |
BLOTTING PAPER SCORED (75% BLEACHED SOFTWOOD, 25% NORTHERN PINE) |
W=64 |
W=34 |
W=35 |
W=51 |
W=53 |
L=250 |
L=55 |
L=60 |
L=110 |
L=118 |
W=175 |
W=31 |
W=35 |
W=145 |
W=162 |
L=65 |
L=38 |
L=42 |
L=60 |
L=66 |
12 |
GELOK 8007 A/A SAB-840 |
W=64 |
W=40 |
W=44 |
W=31 |
W=34 |
L=190 |
L=55 |
L=64 |
L=33 |
L=33 |
13 |
BG 13 gsm 2 PLY TISSUE (100% LONGLAC SOFTWOOD) |
W=151 |
W=44 |
W=49 |
W=97 |
W=100 |
L=166 |
L=44 |
L=45 |
L=80 |
L=87 |
14 |
BG 13 gsm 4 PLY TISSUE (100% LONGLAC SOFTWOOD) |
W=151 |
W=33 |
W=39 |
W=104 |
W=113 |
L=166 |
L=42 |
L=44 |
L=83 |
L=94 |
15 |
KLEENEX® TISSUE (30% SOFTWOOD 70% HARDWOOD) |
W=219 |
W=42 |
W=44 |
W=131 |
W=150 |
L=228 |
L=45 |
L=46 |
L=126 |
L=143 |
16 |
HI DRI® PAPER TOWEL (100% RE-PROCESSED PULP) |
W=113 |
W=44 |
W=48 |
W=80 |
W=88 |
L=282 |
L=42 |
L=44 |
L=109 |
L=112 |
17 |
60 gsm MELTBLOWN (POLYPROPYLENE) INSERT FROM NEW FREEDOM® MAXI |
W=154 |
W=37 |
W=40 |
W=165 |
W=126 |
L=152 |
L=41 |
L=42 |
L=136 |
L=143 |
[0057] The ratios of the width of the stain, for the materials listed in Table 2, were calculated
over a predetermined time period. Accordingly, the "transverse wicking rate" is equal
to the stain width per unit time. The ratios are listed in Table 3 below for time
periods of 5 and 10 minutes, respectively. The ratio is obtained by dividing the value
for the second absorbent layer by the value of the first absorbent layer. For example,
for Example 10 in the cross direction at 5 minutes, 125/28 = 4.5 rounded to one place
after the decimal point.
TABLE 3
Example |
Stain width in 1st Layer (mm) |
Stain width in 2nd Layer (mm) |
Ratio 5 Min. |
Ratio 10 Min. |
Comments |
|
5 Min |
10 Min |
5 Min |
10 Min |
|
|
|
10 MD |
44 |
46 |
60 |
60 |
X |
X |
Note 1 |
CD |
28 |
35 |
125 |
150 |
4.5 |
4.3 |
|
11 MD |
34 |
35 |
51 |
53 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
CD |
31 |
53 |
145 |
162 |
4.7 |
3.1 |
|
12 MD |
40 |
44 |
31 |
34 |
X |
X |
Note 2 |
13 MD |
44 |
49 |
97 |
100 |
2.2 |
2.8 |
|
14 MD |
33 |
39 |
104 |
113 |
3.2 |
2.9 |
|
15 MD |
42 |
44 |
131 |
150 |
3.1 |
3.4 |
|
16 MD |
44 |
48 |
80 |
88 |
1.8 |
1.8 |
|
17 MD |
37 |
40 |
165 |
126 |
4.5 |
3.2 |
|
MD = machine direction
CD = cross direction
Note 1: X indicates that a ratio was not calculated because the stain reached the
longitudinal edges of the second absorbent layer.
Note 2: X indicates that a ratio was not calculated because the stain was smaller
on the second layer than on first layer. |
[0058] One will notice that the ratio of the transverse wicking rate of the second absorbent
layer, when aligned in a machine direction, to the first absorbent layer is greater
than about 1.5 after 5 minutes, and greater than about 1.5 after 10 minutes. One will
also notice that the ratio of the transverse wicking rate of the second absorbent
layer, when aligned in a cross direction, to the first absorbent layer is greater
than about 4.5 after 5 minutes and greater than about 3.1 after 10 minutes.
1. An absorbent article (10,10',110,210,410) comprising a liquid-permeable cover (11,111,211,416),
a liquid-impermeable baffle (14,412) a first absorbent layer (12,212,418) and a second
absorbent layer (13,420) positioned between said baffle and said first absorbent layer,
characterized in that
said second absorbent layer (13,420) has a higher rate of wicking a liquid from the
center to its lateral edges than said first absorbent layer (12,212,418) and
said second absorbent layer (13,420) is wider along its central transverse axis than
said first absorbent layer (12,212,418), said central transverse axis of said second
absorbent layer generally lining up with the central transverse axis of the absorbent
article (10,10',110,210,410).
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 further comprising a third absorbent layer (15) positioned
between the first (12) and second (13) absorbent layers.
3. The absorbent article of claim 2 wherein said second absorbent layer (13) is wider
than both said first (12) and said third (15) absorbent layers along the central transverse
axis (47) of said absorbent article (10,10').
4. The absorbent article of claim 2 or 3 wherein said second absorbent layer (13) has
a higher rate of wicking a liquid from the center to its lateral edges than said third
absorbent layer (15).
5. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein said second layer
(13,420) is aligned in machine direction.
6. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein the ratio of said
transverse wicking rate of said second absorbent layer (13,420) to said first absorbent
layer (12,212,418) is greater than about 1.5 after 5 minutes.
7. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ratio of said transverse
wicking rate of said second absorbent layer (13,420), when aligned in a machine direction,
to said first absorbent layer (12,212,418) is greater than about 1.5 after 10 minutes.
8. The absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the ratio of said transverse
wicking rate of said second absorbent layer (13,420), when aligned in a cross direction,
to said first absorbent layer (12,212,418) is greater than about 3.1 after 10 minutes.
9. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein said first absorbent
layer (12,212,418) is cellulose fluff and said second absorbent layer (13,420) is
meltblown polypropylene.
10. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein said second absorbent
layer (13) has a length less than that of said first absorbent layer (12).
11. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims further comprising adhesive
means for securing said baffle (14) to said second absorbent layer (13).
12. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims further comprising adhesive
means for securing said second absorbent layer (13) to said first absorbent layer
(12).
13. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a garment
attachment adhesive (20) secured to said baffle (14) for securing said absorbent article
(10') to the crotch portion of an undergarment, and a peel strip (21) releasably attached
to said garment attachment adhesive (20).
14. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims further comprising fluid-tight
seal means positioned around the entire outer periphery of at least one of said absorbent
layers.
15. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein said absorbent article
(110) has an hourglass configuration with two longitudinally extending side edges
(118,119) with concave central portions (120,121), and two garment attachment panels
(130,131) extending outward from each of said concave central portions (120,121).
16. The absorbent article of claim 15 wherein a body-facing surface of each garment attachment
panel (130,131) contains an absorbent material.
17. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid-permeable
cover (11) is overlaying the bodyside surface of the first absorbent layer (12,212,418).
18. The absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims wherein a second liquid-impermeable
baffle (414) is positioned between said first baffle (412) and said first absorbent
layer (418) said second baffle (414) having a configuration similar to said first
absorbent layer (418) and said second absorbent layer (420) is positioned between
said first baffle (412) and said second baffle (414).
19. A sanitary napkin (110,410) comprising a liquid-permeable cover (111,416), a liquid-impermeable
baffle (14,412), a first absorbent layer (12,418) having a body-facing surface and
a garment-facing surface, a second absorbent layer (13,420) positioned between said
baffle and said first absorbent layer and garment attachment panels (130,131) extending
laterally outward from said absorbent layers, characterized in that
said second absorbent layer (13,420) has a higher rate of wicking a liquid from the
center to its lateral edges than said first absorbent layer (12,418) and
said second absorbent layer (13,420) is wider along its central transverse axis than
said first absorbent layer (12,418), said central transverse axis of said second absorbent
layer (13) generally lining up with the central transverse axis of the sanitary napkin
(110,410).
20. The sanitary napkin of claim 19 wherein each garment attachment panel (130,131) has
a garment adhesive (139) secured thereto which facilitates attachment of said panels
(130,131) to an undergarment, said garment adhesive being covered by a releasable
peel strip (140) to prevent contamination of said adhesive (139) prior to use.
21. The sanitary napkin of claim 19 wherein said first absorbent layer (12) has a generally
hourglass configuration and each of said garment attachment panels (130,131) extend
laterally outward therefrom, each garment attachment panel having a body-facing surface
and a garment-facing surface, and said baffle (14) being a single layer of material
which extends over the surface of said first absorbent layer (12) and over the surface
of both garment attachment panels (130,131).
22. The sanitary napkin of claim 21 wherein at least one of said absorbent layers (12,13)
extends to cover at least a portion of said body-facing surfaces of each garment attachment
panel (130,131).
23. The sanitary napkin of any one of claims 19, 21 or 22 wherein a garment attachment
adhesive (139) is secured to said body-facing surface of at least one of said garment
attachment panels (130,131) for facilitating attachment of said garment attachment
panels (130,131) to one another.
24. The sanitary napkin of any one of claims 19 to 23 further comprising a liquid-permeable
cover (111) positioned adjacent to said body-facing surface of said first absorbent
layer (12).
25. The sanitary napkin of any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the ratio of said transverse
wicking rate of said second absorbent layer (13), when aligned in a machine direction,
to said first absorbent layer (12) is greater than about 1.5 after 5 minutes.
26. The sanitary napkin of any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the ratio of said transverse
wicking rate of said second absorbent layer (13), when aligned in a cross direction,
to said first absorbent layer (12) is greater than about 3.1 after 10 minutes.
27. The sanitary napkin of claim 26 wherein said pair of garment attachment panels (130,131)
are integrally formed from said cover (111) and said baffle (14), said garment attachment
panels extending from a concave central portion of each longitudinal edge of said
sanitary napkin and lying in the same plane as the widest portion of said sanitary
napkin.
28. The sanitary napkin of claim 26 or 27 wherein said garment attachment panels (130,131)
extend to the width of the widest portion of said sanitary napkin.
29. The sanitary napkin of claim 19, further comprising a second liquid-impermeable baffle
(414) positioned between said first baffle (412) and said first absorbent layer (418),
said second baffle (414) having a configuration similar to said first absorbent layer
(418), whereby said second absorbent layer (420) is positioned between said first
(412) and second (414) baffles.
1. Saugfähiger Artikel (10, 10', 110, 210, 410) mit einer flüssigkeitsdurchlässigen Abdeckung
(11, 111, 211, 416), einer flüssigkeitsundurchlässigen Sperrschicht (14, 412), einer
ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12, 212, 418) und einer zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13,
420) zwischen der Sperrschicht und der ersten saugfähigen Schicht, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß
die zweite saugfähige Schicht (13, 420) eine höhere Rate bezüglich des Saugens einer
Flüssigkeit von der Mitte zu ihren Seitenkanten als die erste saugfähige Schicht (12,
212, 418) aufweist und
die zweite saugfähige Schicht (13, 420) entlang ihrer mittleren transversalen Achse
breiter ist als die erste saugfähige Schicht (12, 212, 418), wobei die mittlere transversale
Achse der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht mit der mittleren transversalen Achse des saugfähigen
Artikels (10, 10', 110, 210, 410) im allgemeinen auf einer Linie liegt.
2. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 1, der des weiteren eine dritte saugfähige Schicht
(15) zwischen der ersten (12) und der zweiten (13) saugfähigen Schicht aufweist.
3. Saugfähiger Artikel gemaß Anspruch 2, bei dem die zweite saugfähige Schicht (13) entlang
der mittleren transversalen Achse (47) des saugfähigen Artikels (10, 10') breiter
als sowohl die erste (12) als auch die dritte (15) saugfähige Schicht ist.
4. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 2 oder 3, bei dem die zweite saugfähige Schicht
(13) eine höhere Rate bezüglich des Saugens einer Flüssigkeit von der Mitte zu ihren
Seitenkanten als die dritte saugfähige Schicht (15) aufweist.
5. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die zweite Schicht
(13, 420) in Maschinenrichtung ausgerichtet ist.
6. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem das Verhältnis
der Transversalsaugrate der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13, 420) zur ersten saugfähigen
Schicht (12, 212, 418) größer als etwa 1,5 nach 5 Minuten ist.
7. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, bei dem das Verhältnis der
Transversalsaugrate der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13, 420), wenn in Maschinenrichtung
ausgerichtet, zur ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12, 212, 418) größer als etwa 1,5 nach
10 Minuten ist.
8. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, bei dem das Verhältnis der
Transversalsaugrate der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13, 420), wenn in Querrichtung
ausgerichtet, zur ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12, 212, 418) größer als etwa 3,1 nach
10 Minuten ist.
9. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem es sich bei
der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12, 212, 418) um Zelluloseflaum und bei der zweiten
saugfähigen Schicht (13, 420) um schmelzgeblasenes Polypropylen handelt.
10. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die zweite saugfähige
Schicht (13) eine Länge von weniger als jener der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12)
aufweist.
11. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der des weiteren Haftmittel
zur Befestigung der Sperrschicht (14) an der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13) aufweist.
12. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der des weiteren Haftmittel
zur Befestigung der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13) an der ersten saugfähigen Schicht
(12) aufweist.
13. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der des weiteren ein
an der Sperrschicht (14) angebrachtes Haftmittel (20) zur Bekleidungsstückanbringung
zum Befestigen des saugfähigen Artikels (10') an dem Schrittbereich eines Unterbekleidungsstücks
und einen Abziehstreifen (21), welcher lösbar an dem Haftmittel (20) zur Bekleidungsstückanbringung
angebracht ist, aufweist.
14. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der des weiteren fluiddichte
Abdichtmittel um die gesamte Außenperipherie mindestens einer der saugfähigen Schichten
herum aufweist.
15. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der saugfähige
Artikel (110) eine Sanduhrform mit zwei sich längs erstreckenden Seitenkanten (118,
119) mit konkaven Mittelbereichen (120, 121) und zwei Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen
(130, 131), welche sich von dem jeweiligen konkaven Mittelbereich (120, 121) nach
außen erstrecken, aufweist.
16. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß Anspruch 15, bei dem eine körperseitige Oberfläche jeder
Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahn (130, 131) ein saugfähiges Material aufweist.
17. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem eine flüssigkeitsdurchlässige
Abdeckung (11) über der körperseitigen Oberfläche der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12,
212, 418) liegt.
18. Saugfähiger Artikel gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der eine zweite
flüssigkeitsundurchlässige Sperrschicht (414) zwischen der ersten Sperrschicht (412)
und der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (418) liegt, wobei die zweite Sperrschicht (414)
eine Form ähnlich der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (418) aufweist, und die zweite saugfähige
Schicht (420) zwischen der ersten Sperrschicht (412) und der zweiten Sperrschicht
(414) liegt.
19. Damenbinde (110, 410) mit einer flüssigkeitsdurchlässigen Abdeckung (111, 416), einer
flüssigkeitsundurchlässigen Sperrschicht (14, 412), einer ersten saugfähigen Schicht
(12, 418) mit einer körperseitigen Oberfläche und einer bekleidungsstückseitigen Oberfläche,
einer zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13, 420) zwischen der Sperrschicht und der ersten
saugfähigen Schicht und Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen (130, 131), welche sich
von den saugfähigen Schichten seitlich nach außen erstrecken, dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß
die zweite saugfähige Schicht (13, 420) eine höhere Rate bezüglich des Saugens einer
Flüssigkeit von der Mitte zu ihren Seitenkanten als die erste saugfähige Schicht (12,
418) aufweist und
die zweite saugfähige Schicht (13, 420) entlang ihrer mittleren transversalen Achse
breiter ist als die erste saugfähige Schicht (12, 418), wobei die mittlere transversale
Achse der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13) mit der mittleren transversalen Achse der
Damenbinde (110, 410) im allgemeinen auf einer Linie liegt.
20. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 19, bei der jede Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahn (130, 131)
ein daran angebrachtes Bekleidungsstückhaftmittel (139) aufweist, welches eine Anbringung
der Bahnen (130, 131) an einem Unterbekleidungsstück erleichtert, wobei das Bekleidungsstückhaftmittel
durch einen lösbaren Abziehstreifen (140) bedeckt ist, um eine Verschmutzung des Haftmittels
(139) vor dem Gebrauch zu verhindern.
21. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 19, bei der die erste saugfähige Schicht (12) im allgemeinen
eine Sanduhrform aufweist und sich jede der Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen (130,
131) hiervon seitlich nach außen erstreckt, wobei jede Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahn
eine körperseitige Oberfläche und eine bekleidungsstückseitige Oberfläche aufweist
und die Sperrschicht (14) eine einzelne Materialschicht ist, welche sich über die
Oberfläche der ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12) und über die Oberfläche beider Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen
(130, 131) erstreckt.
22. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 21, bei der sich mindestens eine der saugfähigen Schichten
(12, 13) so erstreckt, daß sie mindestens einen Teil der körperseitigen Oberflächen
jeder Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahn (130, 131) bedeckt.
23. Damenbinde gemäß einem der Ansprüche 19, 21 oder 22, bei der ein Haftmittel (139)
zur Bekleidungsstückanbringung an der körperseitigen Oberfläche mindestens einer der
Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen (130, 131) zur Erleichterung einer Anbringung der
Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen (130, 131) aneinander befestigt ist.
24. Damenbinde gemäß einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 23, die des weiteren eine flüssigkeitsdurchlässige
Abdeckung (111) benachbart zur körperseitigen Oberfläche der ersten saugfähigen Schicht
(12) aufweist.
25. Damenbinde gemäß einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 24, bei der das Verhältnis der Transversalsaugrate
der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13), wenn in Maschinenrichtung ausgerichtet, zur
ersten saugfähigen Schicht (12) größer als etwa 1,5 nach 5 Minuten ist.
26. Damenbinde gemäß einem der Ansprüche 19 bis 24, bei der das Verhältnis der Transversalsaugrate
der zweiten saugfähigen Schicht (13), wenn in Querrichtung ausgerichtet, zur ersten
saugfähigen Schicht (12) größer als etwa 3,1 nach 10 Minuten ist.
27. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 26, bei der das Paar von Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen
(130, 131) einstückig aus der Abdeckung (111) und der Sperrschicht (14) gebildet ist,
wobei sich die Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen von einem konkaven Mittelbereich
jeder Längskante der Damenbinde erstrecken und in derselben Ebene wie der breiteste
Teil der Damenbinde liegen.
28. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 26 oder 27, bei der sich die Bekleidungsstückanbringungsbahnen
(130, 131) bis zur Breite des breitesten Teils der Damenbinde erstrecken.
29. Damenbinde gemäß Anspruch 19, die des weiteren eine zweite flüssigkeitsundurchlässige
Sperrschicht (414) zwischen der ersten Sperrschicht (412) und der ersten saugfähigen
Schicht (418) umfaßt, wobei die zweite Sperrschicht (414) eine Form ähnlich der ersten
saugfähigen Schicht (418) aufweist, wobei die zweite saugfähige Schicht (420) zwischen
der ersten (412) und der zweiten (414) Sperrschicht liegt.
1. Article absorbant (10, 10', 110, 210, 410) comprenant une enveloppe perméable aux
liquides (11, 111, 211, 416), une barrière imperméable aux liquides (14, 412), une
première couche absorbante (12, 212, 418) et une seconde couche absorbante (13, 420)
positionnée entre ladite barrière et ladite première couche absorbante, caractérisé
en ce que
ladite seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) a une plus grande vitesse de drainage de
liquide depuis son centre, jusqu'à ses bords latéraux, que ladite première couche
absorbante (12, 212, 418), et
ladite seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) est plus large le long de son axe central
transversal que ladite première couche absorbante (12, 212, 418), ledit axe central
transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante étant généralement aligné avec l'axe
central transversal de l'article absorbant (10, 10', 110, 210, 410).
2. Article absorbant selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une troisième couche
absorbante (15) positionnée entre la première (12) et la seconde (13) couches absorbantes.
3. Article absorbant selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13) est plus large que lesdites première (12) et troisième (15) couches absorbantes
le long de l'axe central transversal (47) dudit article absorbant (10, 10').
4. Article absorbant selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel ladite seconde couche
absorbante (13) a une plus grande vitesse de drainage de liquide depuis son centre,
jusqu'à ses bords latéraux, que ladite troisième couche absorbante (15).
5. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
ladite seconde couche (13, 420) est alignée dans le sens machine.
6. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
le rapport de ladite vitesse de drainage transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13, 420) à celle de ladite première couche absorbante (12, 212, 418) est supérieur
à environ 1,5 après cinq minutes.
7. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le
rapport de ladite vitesse de drainage transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13, 420), lorsqu'elle est alignée dans le sens machine, à celle de ladite première
couche absorbante (12, 212, 418) est supérieur à environ 1,5 après dix minutes.
8. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le
rapport de ladite vitesse de drainage transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13, 420), lorsqu'elle est alignée dans le sens travers, à celle de ladite première
couche absorbante (12, 212, 418) est supérieur à environ 3,1 après dix minutes.
9. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
ladite première couche absorbante (12, 212, 418) est en duvet de cellulose et ladite
seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) est en polypropylène obtenu par fusion-soufflage.
10. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
ladite seconde couche absorbante (13) a une longueur inférieure à celle de ladite
première couche absorbante (12).
11. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre des moyens adhésifs pour fixer ladite barrière (14) à ladite seconde couche
absorbante (13).
12. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre des moyens adhésifs pour fixer ladite seconde couche absorbante (13) à ladite
première couche absorbante (12).
13. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre un adhésif d'attache au vêtement (20), fixé à ladite barrière (14), destiné
à fixer ledit article absorbant (10') à la portion d'entrejambe d'un sous-vêtement,
et une bande de pelage (21) attachée de façon amovible audit adhésif d'attache au
vêtement (20).
14. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant
en outre un moyen d'étanchéité imperméable aux fluides, positionné autour de toute
la périphérie extérieure d'au moins l'une desdites couches absorbantes.
15. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
ledit article absorbant (110) a une configuration en sablier présentant deux bords
latéraux s'étendant longitudinalement (118, 119), pourvus de portions centrales concaves
(120, 121), et deux panneaux d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) qui s'étendent vers
l'extérieur depuis chacune desdites portions centrales concaves (120, 121).
16. Article absorbant selon la revendication 15, dans lequel une surface tournée vers
le corps de chaque panneau d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) contient un matériau absorbant.
17. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
une enveloppe perméable aux liquides (11) est superposée à la surface côté corporel
de la première couche absorbante (12, 212, 418).
18. Article absorbant selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel
une seconde barrière imperméable aux liquides (414) est positionnée entre ladite première
barrière (412) et ladite première couche absorbante (418), ladite seconde barrière
(414) ayant une configuration similaire à celle de ladite première couche absorbante
(418) et ladite seconde couche absorbante (420) étant positionnée entre ladite première
barrière (412) et ladite seconde barrière (414).
19. Serviette hygiénique (110, 410) comprenant une enveloppe perméable aux liquides (111,
416), une barrière imperméable aux liquides (14, 412), une première couche absorbante
(12, 418) ayant une surface tournée vers le corps et une surface tournée vers le vêtement,
une seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) positionnée entre ladite barrière et ladite
première couche absorbante et des panneaux d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) qui s'étendent
transversalement vers l'extérieur depuis lesdites couches absorbantes, caractérisée
en ce que
ladite seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) a une plus grande vitesse de drainage de
liquide depuis son centre, jusqu'à ses bords latéraux, que ladite première couche
absorbante (12, 418), et
ladite seconde couche absorbante (13, 420) est plus large le long de son axe central
transversal que ladite première couche absorbante (12, 418), ledit axe central transversal
de ladite seconde couche absorbante (13) étant généralement aligné avec l'axe central
transversal de la serviette hygiénique (110, 410).
20. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 19, dans laquelle à chaque panneau d'attache
au vêtement (130, 131) est fixé un adhésif d'attache au vêtement (139) qui facilite
l'attache desdits panneaux (130, 131) à un sousvêtement, ledit adhésif d'attache au
vêtement étant recouvert d'une bande de pelage amovible (140) pour empêcher une contamination
dudit adhésif (139) avant utilisation.
21. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 19, dans laquelle ladite première couche
absorbante (12) a une configuration générale en sablier et chacun desdits panneaux
d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) s'étend transversalement vers l'extérieur depuis
celle-ci, chaque panneau d'attache au vêtement ayant une surface tournée vers le corps
et une surface tournée vers le vêtement et ladite barrière (14) étant une couche unique
de matériau qui s'étend sur la surface de ladite première couche absorbante (12) et
sur la surface des deux panneaux d'attache au vêtement (130, 131).
22. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 21, dans laquelle au moins l'une desdites
couches absorbantes (12, 13) s'étend de manière à recouvrir au moins une portion desdites
surfaces tournées vers le corps de chaque panneau d'attache au vêtement (130, 131).
23. Serviette hygiénique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 19, 21 et 22, dans
laquelle un adhésif d'attache au vêtement (139) est fixé à ladite surface tournée
vers le corps d'au moins l'un desdits panneaux d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) pour
faciliter l'attache desdits panneaux d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) l'un à l'autre.
24. Serviette hygiénique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 19 à 23, comprenant
en outre une enveloppe perméable aux liquides (111), positionnée au voisinage de ladite
surface tournée vers le corps de ladite première couche absorbante (12).
25. Serviette hygiénique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 19 à 24, dans laquelle
le rapport de ladite vitesse de drainage transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13), lorsqu'elle est alignée dans le sens machine, à celle de ladite première couche
absorbante (12) est supérieur à environ 1,5 après cinq minutes.
26. Serviette hygiénique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 19 à 24, dans laquelle
le rapport de ladite vitesse de drainage transversal de ladite seconde couche absorbante
(13), lorsqu'elle est alignée dans le sens travers, à celle de ladite première couche
absorbante (12) est supérieur à environ 3,1 après dix minutes.
27. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 26, dans laquelle ladite paire de panneaux
d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) est formée d'un seul tenant avec ladite enveloppe
(111) et ladite barrière (14), lesdits panneaux d'attache au vêtement s'étendant depuis
une portion centrale concave de chaque bord longitudinal de ladite serviette hygiénique
et se trouvant dans le même plan que la portion la plus large de ladite serviette
hygiénique.
28. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 26 ou 27, dans laquelle lesdits panneaux
d'attache au vêtement (130, 131) s'étendent jusqu'à la largeur de la portion la plus
large de ladite serviette hygiénique.
29. Serviette hygiénique selon la revendication 19, comprenant en outre une seconde barrière
imperméable aux liquides (414), positionnée entre ladite première barrière (412) et
ladite première couche absorbante (418), ladite seconde barrière (414) ayant une configuration
similaire à celle de ladite première couche absorbante (418), de sorte que ladite
seconde couche absorbante (420) est positionnée entre lesdites première (412) et seconde
(414) barrières.